Was wondering which is better? Hydrafacial or Clear and Brilliant?

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

These two treatments work well together.  The Hydrafacial is an excellant facial, to prepare your skin for a laser treatment.  I recommend my patients to start with the hydrafacial and then in 2 weeks do the Clear and Brilliant.  The Clear and Brilliant will address your pigmentation issues, texture, and aging skin.  The heathy thermal injury created by the laser treatment will stimulate collegan to address the acne scars.  Usually 3-4 treatments are recommended for Clear and Brilliant.  If your acne scars are very deep, you may look into a  microneedling device, such as Vivace RF.

A combination approach will give the most improvement. These types of scars need a combination of lasers, microneedling/prp, subcision and fillers. Co2 is the best laser for scars, but Erbium is a great alternative. It may take a series of treatments and may need some treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer